Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Oak Lawn Work Injury Attorney
At Salvato, O’Toole & Froylan, our Oak Lawn work injury attorney is standing by, ready to fight for your rights and your interests every step of the way. A work-related injury or illness can take a serious financial toll on you and your family. You must be able to access all available financial benefits. If you or your loved one was injured while at work, we can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a top-rated Oak Lawn work injury attorney.
The Most Common Types of Work-Related Injuries
Workplace accidents can cause a wide range of different injuries. No matter the specific circumstances of the case, it is imperative that an injured worker can get access to prompt, professional medical care. All job-related ailments in Oak Lawn should be evaluated and treated by a licensed physician. Some of the most common work injuries include:
- Back Injuries: Back injuries often result from improper lifting techniques, repetitive motion, or accidents such as slips and falls. Back injuries can range from mild strains to severe spinal damage. These injuries always required proper medical attention.
- Sprains and Strains: These injuries typically occur when employees overstretch or tear muscles and ligaments during activities like lifting, pushing, or sudden movements. Sprains affect ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs can occur in the workplace from falls, being struck by an object, or motor vehicle vehicle accidents. Brain injuries can cause serious, long-term physical and mental effects. Prompt medical treatment can make a big difference.
- Burn Injuries: Burns in the workplace can be caused by fires, chemicals, electrical sources, or hot machinery. These injuries require immediate attention and can range from superficial burns to severe, life-threatening injuries. Third-degree burns are medical emergencies.
- Fractures/Broken Bones: Broken bones can result from slips, trips, falls, or severe impacts with machinery or vehicles. Fractures are especially common in construction and industrial settings. Any suspected fracture should be treated as a medical emergency.
- Spinal Cord Trauma: These are catastrophic injuries. Spinal damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can radically impact the victim’s quality of life. A worker who suffers spinal cord damage may need permanent support.
Your Guide to Workers’ Compensation Coverage in Illinois
Were you hurt while on the job in Oak Lawn or elsewhere in Cook County? You have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp insurance is designed to protect employees during their time of need. Here are some of the key points to know about workers’ compensation in Illinois:
- Eligibility: The vast majority of employees in Oak Lawn are covered by workers’ compensation, regardless of their position or length of employment. However, properly classified independent contractors and volunteers do not qualify.
- No-Fault: Workers’ compensation insurance in Illinois provides no-fault benefits. You are not required to prove wrongdoing by your employer to qualify for benefits.
- Benefits: If you are injured on the job, workers’ compensation can help cover medical expenses, temporary total disability (TTD), permanent partial disability (PPD), and vocational rehabilitation if needed.
- Reporting: Prompt reporting is crucial. You should inform your employer of the injury as soon as possible and seek medical attention. Under Illinois law, you typically have 45 days to notify your employer. Failure to do so could result in a denial of benefits.
- Filing: If your claim is disputed or denied, you can file a case with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). They oversee dispute resolution to ensure workers receive due benefits. Do not wait to file for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Doctor: You have the right to choose two physicians under Illinois workers’ compensation. However, going beyond these chosen doctors without referrals may lead to denied coverage for additional treatments. Your lawyer can help if you have questions.
- Appeal: Unfortunately, some injured workers in Oak Lawn struggle to get access to their full and fair benefits. If you received a denial letter, our Oak Lawn, IL workers’ comp appeal lawyers are more than ready to help. Contact us now for a free case review.
We Represent Injured Workers in Oak Lawn in Third Party Liability Claims
Beyond workers’ compensation claims and appeals, Salvato, O’Toole & Froylan also handle third-party liability claims in Oak Lawn. Was someone other than your employer responsible for your accident? You may be able to hold them liable for your damages through a personal injury claim. These are called third-party liability claims. These are fault-based cases that allow injured workers to seek additional financial compensation, including for pain and suffering. You can file a third-party liability claim on top of your workers’ comp claim if a nonemployer’s negligence was the cause of your accident.
How Oak Lawn Work Injury Attorneys Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a serious work injury is not easy. You cannot rely on any insurance company—or even your employer—to look out for your best interests. At Salvato, O’Toole & Froylan, we are ready to protect your legal rights and your financial interests when it matters the most. Along with other things, our Oak Lawn work injury attorney is prepared to:
- Listen to what you have to say, answering your work injury questions
- Investigate your case—gathering and organizing relevant evidence
- Handle all of the claims paperwork, including for your workers’ comp benefits
- Take immediate action to help you fight for the maximum financial support
Contact Our Oak Lawn Work Injury Lawyer Today
At Salvato, O’Toole & Froylan, our Oak Lawn work injury attorneys provide personalized, results-first advocacy to people who were hurt on the job. If you have any questions or concerns about the claims process, we are here as a legal resource. Call us now or contact us online to arrange your fully private, no-strings-attached initial case review. We represent injured workers in Oak Lawn, Cook County, and all across Northern Illinois.
